Contezolid (MRX-I) is an oxazolidinone antibiotic developed primarily for the treatment of infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria, especially those resistant to other antibiotics. It is particularly effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and multidrug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

One of its key applications is in the management of complicated skin and soft tissue infections (cSSTIs), where its mechanism of action inhibits bacterial protein synthesis without cross-resistance to other classes of antibiotics. Due to its favorable pharmacokinetic profile, it achieves high tissue penetration, making it suitable for infections localized in skin and deep tissues.

Contezolid also shows promise in treating drug-resistant tuberculosis, especially in cases where linezolid—the first-line oxazolidinone—is limited by toxicity with long-term use. Contezolid appears to have a reduced risk of myelosuppression and peripheral neuropathy, offering a safer alternative for extended therapy.

Its development addresses the growing need for new agents against multidrug-resistant pathogens, positioning it as a valuable option in hospital and community settings where antibiotic resistance is a major concern.